Sunday, January 24, 2016, was shadowed by the loss of beloved husband, father, coach and colleague, Jim 'Lango' Langlois. Coach 'Lango' dedicated over 35 years to the growth of the Wesleyan Ice Hockey family and much of their success is attributed to his efforts. He first made his mark serving as the women's head coach from 1980-to-1984, before moving to an assistant position for the men's program in 1985. Student-athletes, colleagues and alum a like, all fondly share memories of Coach Lango's contagious laughter which reverberated in the rink, his distinct smile and his love for the ice.

"Coach Langlois was a really special man in multiple aspects," said former men's ice hockey co-captain Eric Casey '16. "From a hockey perspective, 'Coach' was simply someone everyone loved to see each day at the rink. He always had a joke to crack or a way to make someone smile. Even after getting a dose of his criticism you could expect some humor to lighten the mood.

"I think both Wesleyan hockey and Wesleyan University have been really blessed for Coach Langlois to stick with us for so many years, and pass on his love for hockey and laughter to so many people."

However, Jim Langlois' passion for hockey and his dedication was never confined to Wesleyan's rink, he also made a profound impact on the youth of his community through the Middlesex Youth Hockey Program at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford. Langlois, was a true leader on many fronts, including in his involvement in the cement industry and in golf which was honored through a memorial golf tournament fundraiser held by the Connecticut Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA) in Coach Lango's memory.

Wesleyan Athletics will forever be inspired by Coach Langlois's legacy. The Jim Langlois Assistant Coach Endowment for Men's Ice Hockey was commemorated on February 11, 2017 through a heart-warming ceremony before the Cardinals' riveting game against Colby. Coach Lango's wife, Dianne joined Director of Athletics, Mike Whalen at center ice for the ceremony which was culminated by the presentation of a $15,000 check by Don Shubert and Don Penepent of the CRMCA that brought the Jim Langlois Endowment total to just over $100,000.

The Jim Langlois Assistant Coach Endowment for Men's Ice Hockey will continue to spread Coach Langlois' light which was a source of warmth and energy for many, on and off the ice.

To make more possible through the Jim Langlois Endowment please consider making a gift here!